The Knights of Columbus Vermont State Council celebrated the 2024 Anchor Award Dinner in honor of Father Yvon Royer, diocesan Vicar General, on Sunday, Oct. 27, at St. Peter’s Parish Hall in Vergennes. The evening was hosted by Vergennes Council #3664 and coordinated by District Deputy #7 Bill Scott.

The evening started with a wonderful social hour with over 100 of Fr. Yvon’s family and friends from all over Vermont. There was a special appearance by Bishop John McDermott who offered many laudatory remarks about Fr. Royer and his extensive and selfless service to Catholics throughout Vermont. All attendees enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the men and women of St. Peter’s Parish.

Master of Ceremonies, Tim Buskey, ensured that the evening flowed smoothly and began the evening’s formalities by introducing the State Officers of the Vermont Knights of Columbus. The formal presentations began with State Deputy Christopher Poirier, the Chief Executive Officer for the Vermont K of C, describing the history and importance of the Anchor Award – the highest honor presented by the Vermont Knights of Columbus. There were several guests who came up to the podium to speak about Fr. Royer including Grand Knight David Austin from the Vergennes council and Grand Knight Gerry Tetrault from the Bristol council. They both described their profound appreciation for the many years of support and spiritual guidance Fr. Royer provided to them and their brother Knights.

Scott Gaines from the Vergennes Rotary Club spoke extensively about the San Jose Monteverde Mexico Water Project grant that Fr. Royer worked so diligently on as a supporting member of the Rotary Club. Several other guests spoke about Fr. Royer’s dedicated community outreach to migrant laborers by providing sacramental and pastoral support to these often unknown and disenfranchised Catholic members of the Vermont community. The common thread from all the presentations was that Fr. Royer “makes things happen and makes people happy.”

At the conclusion of the evening, the State Deputy presented Fr. Royer with a special plaque and pin which is awarded to the Anchor Award recipient each year. Fr. Royer was very appreciative of this honor and mentioned that he has been “surrounded by many good people with good hearts.” He considered the people he has worked with over the years as brothers and sisters who have enabled him and his success in so many ways. “As Individuals, we struggle, but with God’s grace, all is possible.” Fr. Royer thanked everyone and was deeply touched by everyone’s support.